---
title: "The Simpsons"
year: 1989
kind: "series"
canonical: "https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons"
fi1m_id: "the-simpsons"
imdb_id: "tt0096697"
tmdb_id: 456
wikidata_id: "Q886"
fi1m_score: 88
critics_score: 76
critics_reviews: 5
published: "2026-09-13"
updated: "2026-09-20T21:14:17.810261+00:00"
region: "PH"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Simpsons (1989)

Created by Matt Groening · MTRCB G · Animation, Comedy

## Identity

The Simpsons

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons
- **Type:** Series
- **Fi1m ID:** the-simpsons
- **IMDb ID:** tt0096697
- **TMDB ID:** 456
- **Wikidata ID:** Q886
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096697/, https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/456, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q886

**Fi1m score: 88** · Critics 76 (early) from 5 reviews

*In a sentence:* Homer Simpson has had an idea, and we already feel sorry for Marge

> The sharpest stretches of *The Simpsons* combine merciless jokes with real tenderness for the people making fools of themselves. We recommend it warmly, but not as an obligation to watch every episode.

## Synopsis

*The Simpsons* centres on the Simpson family and the people around them, using domestic life as the starting point for an animated comedy. Dan Castellaneta voices Homer, Julie Kavner voices Marge, Nancy Cartwright plays Bart and Yeardley Smith plays Lisa. Beyond the family, the cast includes Krusty the Clown, Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns and Principal Skinner. Castellaneta, Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer supply those voices, taking on several characters apiece. Family dynamics and the competing personalities of the wider ensemble provide the material for the programme’s satire.

## Review

We recommend *The Simpsons* warmly, with one practical reservation: choose a stretch rather than making a vow to watch everything. Its family comedy works because the people who behave badly remain worth caring about, even when they have exhausted everyone else’s patience. The satire would be thinner if it merely invited us to feel cleverer than these people. At its best, the writing makes their mistakes understandable before making them ridiculous, and leaves enough room for embarrassment to hurt.

Dan Castellaneta gives Homer a confidence that is funny before a sentence is finished. He makes a foolish thought sound freshly discovered, and gives disappointment enough weight to keep the performance from becoming a succession of noises. Julie Kavner’s Marge is just as important: the fatigue in her voice suggests how much work it takes to stay patient. We were moved by that weariness, because Kavner makes affection sound like something Marge has to keep choosing.

Nancy Cartwright gives Bart’s defiance an infectious pleasure in his own cheek, without making every provocation sound calculated. Yeardley Smith makes Lisa’s earnestness equally recognisable; she lets us hear how much it matters to Lisa that somebody listens. The writing can become too pleased with Lisa’s usefulness as the sensible one, and Smith is more interesting when she has something awkward to play. That is a recurring weakness: a character can shrink into the job the joke needs done.

Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer make the supporting characters feel worth following in their own right. Azaria gives Moe Szyslak a pinched frustration that makes simple exchanges sound like personal setbacks. Shearer’s Mr. Burns and Ned Flanders are distinct in more than pitch: Burns sounds accustomed to obedience, while Flanders seems perpetually hopeful of agreement. The pleasure is in hearing the actors find different reasons for people to misunderstand each other, rather than merely recognising another voice.

Directors including David Silverman and Brad Bird make the animation do more than carry the dialogue. A held expression can supply the objection that nobody says aloud, and a change of pose can reveal how little confidence someone has. Editors Michael Bridge and Don Barrozo are among those shaping the timing; at its sharpest, the programme gives us time to notice a reaction without waiting for approval of the joke. These small decisions keep crowded exchanges legible and let the performances remain funny even when nobody is speaking.

Alf Clausen’s music is funny because it can take these people’s troubles as seriously as they take them themselves. Its sense of proportion is deliberately unreliable, giving a small upset the weight of a calamity. The weaker writing is less sure about proportion: a bigger incident is allowed to stand in for a better joke. Castellaneta can sustain a great deal of foolishness, but when Homer’s behaviour stops resembling anything human, the noise becomes tiring.

As a family sitcom, it is most satisfying when affection complicates the teasing, rather than arriving afterwards to tidy things up. There is no need to defend every stretch to value how often it gets that right. We would begin with seasons three to eight, where the balance of character and comic invention is particularly rewarding. Leave the completionism to someone who enjoys keeping records.

*Fi1m score 88, published 13 September 2026.*

## Straight answers

**Is The Simpsons worth watching?**

*The Simpsons* is worth watching for anyone who likes family comedy with sharp jokes and real affection underneath, and we scored it 88. Our one reservation is practical: pick a stretch rather than vowing to watch everything, since the weaker runs let a bigger incident stand in for a better joke. We would begin with seasons three to eight.

**How long is The Simpsons, and what is it rated?**

*The Simpsons* is rated G by the MTRCB in the Philippines. It is an animation and comedy series.

**Where can I watch The Simpsons in the Philippines?**

*The Simpsons* is not on any streaming or rental service in the Philippines at the moment. It is available in 44 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is The Simpsons, and is it suitable for children?**

*The Simpsons* is a UK 12 and a US TV-14, so it is animated comedy aimed at teenagers and adults rather than small children. There is nothing in it we would call frightening; the certificate reflects rude jokes and cartoon misbehaviour rather than violence. Older children who can take the satire will be fine, and adults will get more of the jokes.

**How does The Simpsons compare to King of the Hill?**

*The Simpsons* is the louder and more ambitious of the two, while [*King of the Hill*](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997) is the kinder and more patient, funny because nothing in it is exaggerated. Both let foolish people keep their dignity, but *The Simpsons* at its sharpest has the greater comic invention, and at its weakest the greater noise. Choose *King of the Hill* for quieter, more even comedy, and *The Simpsons* for higher peaks.

**What should I watch after The Simpsons?**

After *The Simpsons*, try [*King of the Hill*](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997) (1997, Fi1m 82): Patient neighbourhood comedy that lets foolish people keep their dignity. Then [*The Royle Family*](https://film.one/tv/the-royle-family) (1998, Fi1m 85): A sofa-bound family comedy with sharper ears and more tenderness than expected; and [*Playtime*](https://film.one/film/playtime) (1967, Fi1m 88): For the pleasure of spotting another joke at the edge of the frame.

### Reviews we read (5)

- **The AV Club**, Nathan Rabin (A-): The critic praises the episode's class-conscious humor and emotional depth in Homer's struggles, noting it sets the stage for the show's greatness despite modest beginnings. The heart and subversion are evident from the start. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-simpsons-classic-the-simpsons-roasting-on-an-op-1798165163)
- **The i Paper**, Finlay Greig (80/100, inferred): The critic highlights "Homer's Enemy" as the show's standout episode for its bold portrayal of Homer's flaws and social commentary. It praises the series' risk-taking in blending humor with deeper themes on its 30th anniversary. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/the-simpsons-30-homers-enemy-best-episode-64917)
- **Variety**, Tony Scott (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the animated premiere colorful, wry and often funny, with sharp satire centering on the family dynamics. The engaging animation and characters make the series a good bet for the Fox lineup if the quality holds. [Read](https://variety.com/1989/tv/news/tv-review-the-simpsons-premieres-on-fox-1201349114/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Bruce Bailey (45/100, inferred): The critic describes the Simpson family as the most moronic middle-class family but notes that this is what makes them special. Groening's talent for understating stupidity is a redeeming quality that overrides other flaws like the basic animation. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/simpsons-first-aired-episode-thrs-815927/)
- **Den of Geek**, Tony Sokol (5/5): The review calls it a darkly satirical Peanuts special that subverted TV norms, praising its heart, the introduction of Santa’s Little Helper, and how it sets a high standard for the series despite crude animation. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-simpsons-season-1-episode-1-review-simpsons-roasting-on-an-open-fire/)

## Details

- **Created by:** Matt Groening
- **Creator:** Matt Groening
- **Director:** Steven Dean Moore, Mark Kirkland, Bob Anderson, Matthew Nastuk, Rob Oliver, Mike B. Anderson, Chris Clements, Michael Polcino, Jim Reardon, Timothy Bailey, Wes Archer, Nancy Kruse, Lance Kramer, David Silverman, Matthew Faughnan, Chuck Sheetz, Rich Moore, Jeffrey Lynch, Susie Dietter, Pete Michels, Raymond S. Persi, Carlos Baeza, Neil Affleck, Swinton O. Scott III, Debbie Bruce Mahan, Michael Marcantel, Lauren MacMullan, Jennifer Moeller, Dominic Polcino, Gabriel DeFrancesco, Mike Frank Polcino, Jen Kamerman, Matthew Schofield, Mark Ervin, Eric Koenig, Brad Bird, Ralph Sosa, Milton Gray, Shaun Cashman, Alan Smart, Kent Butterworth, Klay Hall, Gregg Vanzo
- **Writer:** John Swartzwelder, John Frink, Joel H. Cohen, Tim Long, Matt Selman, Jeff Westbrook, Michael Price, Carolyn Omine, J. Stewart Burns, Jon Vitti, Al Jean, Rob LaZebnik, Brian Kelley, Ian Maxtone-Graham, Dan Greaney, Don Payne, Matt Groening, Dan Vebber, Bill Odenkirk, Jeff Martin, Bill Oakley, David X. Cohen, Josh Weinstein, Mike Scully, Ryan Koh, George Meyer, Kevin Curran, Marc Wilmore, Matt Warburton, Stephanie Gillis, Sam Simon, James L. Brooks, Wallace Wolodarsky, Jay Kogen, Billy Kimball, Mike Reiss, Deb Lacusta, David M. Stern, Dan Castellaneta, Jessica Conrad, Cesar Mazariegos, Greg Daniels, Larry Doyle, Donick Cary, Richard Appel, Dana Gould, Ken Keeler, Ron Hauge, Tom Gammill, Jonathan Collier, Daniel Chun, Max Pross, Christine Nangle, Broti Gupta, Jennifer Crittenden, Loni Steele Sosthand, Miranda Thompson, Conan O'Brien, Valentina L. Garza, Elisabeth Kiernan Averick, Brent Forrester, Dan McGrath, Steve Tompkins, Nick Dahan, Tom Martin, Julie Thacker, Allen Glazier, Frank Mula, Megan Amram, Brian Scully, Ken Levine, Bill Canterbury, Ned Goldreyer, Peter Gaffney, David Mirkin, Andrew Kreisberg, Johnny LaZebnik, David Isaacs, Mitchell H. Glazer, Michael Ferris, Pete Holmes, Juliet Kaufman, Steve O'Donnell, Michael Nobori, David Mandel, Joshua Sternin, Reid Harrison, Bob Bendetson, Bob Kushell, Rachel Pulido, Nell Scovell, Jennifer Ventimilia, Mert Rich, Zach Posner, Ricky Gervais, Danielle Weisberg, David H. Steinberg, Brian K. Roberts, Peter Tilden, David Chambers, Jace Richdale, David Richardson, Harry Shearer, Robin J. Stein, Neil Campbell, Julia Prescott, Steve Young, Nancy Cartwright, Sam O'Neal, Eric Horsted, Adam I. Lapidus, Steve Pepoon, Chris Cluess, Jenna Martin, Brendan Hay, Simon Rich, Matt Marshall, Daniel Furlong, David Cryan, Dave King, Dick Blasucci, Eric Kaplan, Judd Apatow, Michael Carrington, Josh Lieb, William Wright, Steve Viksten, Renee Ridgeley, Ron Zimmerman, Jane O'Brien, Justin Hurwitz, Mimi Pond, Mick Kelly, Neal Boushell, Samantha Martin, Bill Freiberger, Vince Waldron, Ben Joseph, Jane Becker, Robin Sayers, Julie Chambers, Patric Verrone, David Sacks, Seth Rogen, Brian McConnachie, Dennis Snee, Jack Barth, Evan Goldberg, David Silverman, Gary Apple, Howard Gewirtz, Max Cohn, Brian Pollack, Spike Feresten, Robert Cohen
- **Story:** Al Jean, Jeff Westbrook
- **Teleplay:** Joel H. Cohen, John Frink, Jeff Westbrook
- **Editor:** Michael Bridge, Don Barrozo
- **Music:** Alf Clausen, Richard Gibbs, Hugo Alfvén
- **Producer:** Richard Raynis, Larina Adamson, Larry Doyle
- **Cast:** Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson / Abe Simpson / Barney Gumble / Krusty the Clown / Groundskeeper Willie / Mayor Quimby (voice); Julie Kavner as Marge Simpson / Patty Bouvier / Selma Bouvier / Jacqueline Bouvier (voice); Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson / Maggie Simpson / Nelson Muntz / Ralph Wiggum (voice); Yeardley Smith as Lisa Simpson / Maggie Simpson (voice); Hank Azaria as Moe Szyslak / Chief Wiggum / Apu / Comic Book Guy / Carl Carlson / Superintendent Chalmers (voice); Harry Shearer as Ned Flanders / Mr. Burns / Smithers / Principal Skinner / Lenny Leonard (voice); Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully (voice); Johnny Cash as Space Coyote (voice)
- **Certificate (MTRCB):** G
- **Release (the Philippines):** 17 December 1989
- **Genres:** Animation, Comedy
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jgYEYERYFQ

## Where to watch in the Philippines

Not streaming, renting or buying in the Philippines at the last check.

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Primetime Emmy Awards 2014: Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (won)
- Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Show 2012: Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Show (won)
- Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Animation 2010: Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Animation (won)
- Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Comedy Series 2009: Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Comedy Series (nominated)
- Golden Globes 2002: Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy (nominated)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Cartoon 2002: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Cartoon (won)
- TCA Heritage Award 2002: TCA Heritage Award (won)
- Primetime Emmy Awards 2001: Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) (nominated)
- Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy 2001: Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy (nominated)
- TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy 1999: TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy (nominated)
- Primetime Emmy Awards 1997: Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics (won)
- Peabody Awards 1996: Peabody Awards (won)
- TCA Award for Program of the Year 1993: TCA Award for Program of the Year (nominated)
- Primetime Emmy Awards 1992: Outstanding Voice-Over Performance (won)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite TV Show 1991: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite TV Show (won)
- Primetime Emmy Awards 1991: Outstanding Animated Program (won)
- Primetime Emmy Awards 1990: Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music (nominated)
- TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy 1990: TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy (won)

## If you liked this

- *King of the Hill* (1997), Fi1m 82: Patient neighbourhood comedy that lets foolish people keep their dignity. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md)
- *Bob's Burgers* (2011): Another animated household where family affection survives some deeply impractical decisions.
- *My Neighbours the Yamadas* (1999): A looser, gentler animated family portrait, attentive to small domestic frustrations.
- *The Royle Family* (1998), Fi1m 85: A sofa-bound family comedy with sharper ears and more tenderness than expected. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/tv/the-royle-family.md)
- *Playtime* (1967), Fi1m 88: For the pleasure of spotting another joke at the edge of the frame. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/playtime.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons